Măl'lōw or Măl'lōws, n.

n. [A-S. mealwe, malu, Ger. malve, from Lat. malva, Gr. μαλάχη, from μαλάσσειν, to soften, μαλακός, soft, either because of its softening or relaxing properties, or its soft, downy leaves; Pr., Sp., Pg., & It. malva, Fr. mauve.] (Bot.) A plant of the genus Malva (M. sylvestris and M. rotundifolia); — so called from its emollient qualities. Its fruit is a depressed disk, popularly called a cheese.